When I embraced the single life back in 2017, I had a clear vision: master new hobbies, nurture meaningful friendships, and launch an online career.
What I didn’t anticipate was stumbling across an article about “solo date ideas” late one night. Self-dating wasn’t exactly on my radar, but it was about to change everything.
The concept of dating yourself isn’t widely discussed. It’s often overshadowed by societal pressures and the whirlwind of daily life. We’re constantly encouraged to seek companionship, to find that special someone to share our experiences with.
In the process, we sometimes forget that we can be our own best company!
At first, the idea of self-dating might seem a bit unconventional. But once you open yourself up to it, it becomes an incredibly empowering journey.
What Are The Benefits Of Solo Dating?
It was then in 2019 that I discovered this revelation while reading an article in Vogue featuring actress Emma Watson, who famously described herself as “self-partnered.” It was a lightbulb moment that shifted my perspective on personal growth and self-love.
The truth is, spending quality time with yourself isn’t just a fallback option when you’re single. It’s a vital practice for personal development, self-discovery, and building a strong sense of self. Whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo, learning to enjoy your own company is a skill that pays dividends in all areas of life.
I love my friends, of course, but waiting for them to be free to have new experiences and explore hobbies can be limiting. We’re all super busy with kids, work, and other commitments, so syncing our schedules is tough!
So embracing self-dating has allowed me to enjoy my own company, try new things on my own schedule, and truly discover what makes me happy.
Starting with simple activities like taking myself out for a coffee or spending a quiet afternoon in a park, I gradually expanded my solo adventures.
Was it a bit awkward and daunting at first? No doubt!
I worried about people looking at me and wondering, “Why is she alone?” or “Doesn’t she have any friends?” But the more I did it, the more I began to see these moments not as a second-best option to being with someone else, but as valuable experiences in their own right.
Ready to date yourself? These 100 solo date ideas will inspire you to put some dates on your calendar!
1. Museum Day
Spend an afternoon wandering through a local museum or art gallery. Absorb the culture, get inspired, and enjoy the tranquillity.
2. Bookstore Adventure
Lose yourself in the pages of a good book. Browse your local bookstore, grab a coffee, and settle into a cosy corner.
MORE POSTS YOU’LL LOVE:
- 100 Must-Try Journaling Prompts for Couples: Fall in Love All Over Again
- 100 Saturday Self-Care Ideas To Boost Your Weekend Vibe
- Wellness Stacking 101: TikTok’s Trend That’s Part Efficiency, Part Madness
3. Picnic in the Park
Pack your favourite snacks, a blanket, and a good book or journal. Find a scenic spot and enjoy the outdoors.
4. Café Crawl
Why stick to one café when you can visit several? Sample different coffees and pastries around your city.
5. Hiking
Find a local trail and immerse yourself in nature. It’s a great way to clear your mind and get some exercise.
6. Home Spa Day
Pamper yourself with a DIY spa day at home. Think face masks, bubble baths, and a good movie.
7. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Explore the local produce, artisanal goods, and maybe pick up ingredients for a special meal.
8. Cooking Class
Take a cooking class and learn a new recipe. Bonus: you get to enjoy the delicious results!
9. Photography Walk
Grab your camera or smartphone and go on a photography walk. Capture the beauty of your surroundings from your unique perspective.
10. Yoga Session
Whether at a studio or through a YouTube video at home, yoga is a great way to relax and rejuvenate.
11. Movie Marathon
Have a movie day at home with all your favourite films. Don’t forget the popcorn!
12. Visit a Botanical Garden
Enjoy the peace and beauty of a botanical garden. It’s a great way to unwind and appreciate nature.
13. Stargazing
Find a quiet spot away from city lights, lay down a blanket, and marvel at the night sky.
14. Take a Day Trip
Hop on a train or take a drive to a nearby town or city you’ve never explored before.
15. Art Class
Join a painting or pottery class and unleash your creativity.
16. Attend a Concert or Live Show
Who says you need a companion to enjoy live music or theatre? Go solo and immerse yourself in the experience.
17. Journaling
Spend some time writing in a journal. Reflect on your day, your dreams, and your goals.
18. Thrift Shopping
Explore thrift stores and find unique treasures. It’s like a mini adventure with the thrill of a great bargain.
19. Volunteer
Give back to your community by volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about.
20. Gardening
Whether you have a yard or just a few pots on your balcony, gardening can be incredibly rewarding.
21. Bike Ride
Explore your city or a local trail on a bike. It’s fun and great exercise.
22. Try a New Cuisine
Go out to a restaurant that serves a cuisine you’ve never tried before. Be adventurous with your taste buds!
23. Meditation Session
Spend some quiet time meditating. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be really helpful.
24. Crafting
Start a new craft project, whether it’s knitting, scrapbooking, or DIY home decor.
25. Go to a Comedy Show
Laughter is the best medicine. Enjoy a night of comedy and let loose.
26. Plan a Future Trip
Research and plan your dream vacation. Even if you can’t go now, the anticipation will be exciting.
27. Attend a Workshop
Sign up for a workshop on something you’re interested in, like photography, writing, or cooking.
28. Try a New Sport
Take a lesson in something new, like rock climbing, kayaking, or tennis.
29. Explore a New Neighbourhood
Spend a day exploring a neighbourhood in your city you’re not familiar with. You might discover some hidden gems.
30. Listen to a Podcast
Find a podcast on a topic you love and go for a walk while you listen.
31. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the view from above.
32. Wine Tasting
Visit a local vineyard or wine bar and sample different wines. Cheers to you!
33. Go to a Planetarium
Learn about the stars and planets at a local planetarium. It’s educational and awe-inspiring.
34. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Compose a letter to yourself, to be opened in five or ten years. Reflect on where you are now and your hopes for the future.
35. DIY Home Improvement Project
Take on a small home improvement project you’ve been putting off. It’s satisfying and productive.
36. Go to the Zoo or Aquarium
Spend a day with the animals and learn more about the natural world.
37. Take a Dance Class
Join a dance class and let loose. From salsa to hip-hop, dancing is a great way to have fun and stay fit.
38. Attend a Sports Game
Catch a live sports game and soak in the energy of the crowd.
39. Explore Your Creative Side with Poetry
Write some poetry or read works by your favourite poets.
40. Visit a Historical Site
Learn about the history of your area by visiting a local historical site or museum.
41. Bird Watching
Head to a park with a pair of binoculars and a bird guide. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature.
42. Spa Treatment
Treat yourself to a professional massage, facial, or manicure.
43. Go on a Ferry Ride
Take a ferry ride, even if it’s just across a river or lake. Enjoy the fresh air and views.
44. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
Find a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. It’s a beautiful way to start or end your day.
45. Take a Writing Class
If you love to write, join a writing class or workshop to hone your skills.
46. Practice Mindfulness
Spend some time practising mindfulness. Focus on your breathing, be present, and appreciate the moment.
47. Visit a Flea Market
Explore a flea market and see what unique items you can find.
48. Go to a Science Centre
Spend a day exploring the exhibits at a science centre.
49. Enjoy a Fancy Dinner Out
Dress up and take yourself to a fancy dinner. You deserve it!
50. Play Tourist in Your Own City
Visit local attractions that you’ve never been to, or haven’t seen in a while. Rediscover your city.
51. Take a Language Class
Start learning a new language. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and expand your horizons.
52. Explore a Library
Spend a few hours in a library. Borrow some books or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
53. Go Ice Skating or Rollerblading
Hit the ice rink or find a smooth path for rollerblading. It’s fun and a great workout.
54. Attend a Lecture or Talk
Look for interesting lectures or talks happening in your area and go learn something new.
55. Go for a Scenic Drive
Take a drive through scenic routes in your area. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
56. Visit a Lighthouse
If you’re near the coast, visit a lighthouse. The views are often stunning, and the history is fascinating.
57. Have a Craft Beer Tasting
Visit a local brewery and sample different craft beers.
58. Take a Train Ride
Even a short train ride can be a delightful escape. Watch the world go by and relax.
59. Try a New Workout Class
From pilates to kickboxing, trying a new workout class can be exhilarating.
60. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend time at a wildlife sanctuary and learn about conservation efforts.
61. Plan a Garden
If you’ve got a green thumb, plan and start your own garden.
62. Take a Pottery Class
Get your hands dirty and create something beautiful with a pottery class.
63. Learn to Play an Instrument
If you’ve always wanted to play an instrument, now’s the time. Take lessons and start practising.
64. Visit a Theme Park
Have a day of fun at a local theme park. Ride the roller coasters and indulge in some cotton candy.
65. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Get out on the water with a kayak or canoe. It’s a peaceful and fun way to spend your day.
66. Do a Puzzle
Buy a challenging puzzle and spend some time putting it together.
67. Have a Game Night
Solo game night? Absolutely! Try single-player board games or video games.
68. Start a Blog
Share your thoughts, experiences, and interests with the world by starting your own blog.
69. Visit an Observatory
Spend an evening at an observatory and gaze at the stars through powerful telescopes.
70. Go Whale Watching
If you’re near the ocean, take a whale-watching tour. It’s an awe-inspiring experience.
71. Take a Ferry Ride
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride. Sometimes the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
72. Try Archery
Hit the target with a fun archery session. It’s a unique and exciting sport.
73. Have a Tech-Free Day
Unplug from technology for a day. Read, write, draw, or simply relax without the distractions of screens (especially social media!).
74. Go to a Festival
Check out local festivals and enjoy the food, music, and culture.
75. Practice Tai Chi
Join a Tai Chi class in the park and enjoy the meditative movements.
76. Take a Scenic Flight
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a scenic flight and see your city or region from above.
77. Explore a National Park
Spend a day hiking and exploring a nearby national park.
78. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Find a drive-in theatre and enjoy a movie under the stars.
79. Take a Horseback Ride
Enjoy a peaceful ride through nature on horseback.
80. Do Some Scrapbooking
Organise your memories and get creative with a scrapbooking project.
81. Visit a Hot Spring
Relax and rejuvenate in a natural hot spring.
82. Go Bowling
Hit the lanes for a fun solo bowling session.
83. Make a Vision Board
Gather magazines, scissors, and glue to create a vision board for your goals and dreams.
RELATED: How To Create A Self-Care Vision Board: Your Ultimate Guide to Wellness
84. Attend a Silent Retreat
Spend a day or weekend at a silent retreat to clear your mind and find inner peace.
85. Take a Drawing or Painting Class
Unleash your inner artist by taking a drawing or painting class.
86. Go Snorkeling
Explore the underwater world with a snorkelling adventure.
87. Visit a Chocolate Factory
Take a tour of a chocolate factory and indulge in some sweet treats.
88. Fly a Kite
Head to an open field or beach and fly a kite. It’s a simple joy that brings out the kid in you.
89. Go to a Renaissance Fair
Step back in time and enjoy the festivities at a Renaissance fair.
90. Learn Calligraphy
Take a calligraphy class and practice the art of beautiful writing.
91. Visit a Butterfly Garden
Spend time in a butterfly garden and marvel at the colourful creatures.
92. Go Zip-Lining
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, try zip-lining through the treetops.
93. Attend a Book Reading or Signing
Meet your favourite authors and discover new books at a reading or signing event.
94. Join a Fitness Challenge
Sign up for a fitness challenge and push yourself to achieve new goals.
95. Take a Wine and Paint Class
Combine creativity with a bit of wine at a paint-and-sip class.
96. Do a Random Act of Kindness
Brighten someone’s day with a random act of kindness.
97. Go Rock Climbing
Challenge yourself with a rock climbing session at a gym or outdoors.
98. Learn a New Dance Style
Take a class in a dance style you’ve never tried before.
99. Visit a Monastery or Meditation Centre
Spend some time in quiet reflection at a monastery or meditation centre.
100. Reflect and Plan Your Next Solo Date
Finally, spend some time reflecting on your solo date adventures and plan your next one. The possibilities are endless!
Save on Pinterest for later?
Final Thoughts
With these 100 solo date ideas, you’ll never run out of ways to treat yourself.
Whether you cook yourself a homemade meal you’ve lovingly prepared, hit the open road for a solo road trip, or simply spend some quality time with yourself doing things you love, these moments are invaluable.
